Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada will continue defense cooperation with the United States despite the Pentagon suspending a long-standing joint defense board between the two countries.

The Permanent Joint Board on Defense, created in 1940, has been paused as U.S. officials cited concerns about Canada’s defense commitments and policy disagreements.

Carney downplayed the move, saying Canada will diversify its defense partnerships while still working closely with Washington and NATO allies.

The decision comes amid growing political tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Carney, including disputes over trade, defense spending, and foreign policy rhetoric, The Hill has reported.

The suspended board, which helps coordinate North American defense strategy, had not met since 2024.